I don't understand what he is saying I will try signing to him
Unnintended neglect & confusion
This is the second time I ask! How irritating
Could you pull your mask down? I'm deaf and need to lipread.
Some ID please!
MAIL PICK-UP
He does not understand ASL I could try to lipread
This is ridiculous faking a disability to be an anti masker!
Mira is a deaf teen who happens to be muslim and wears a hijab. Her cochlears are not easily detectable due to her Hijab making her appear to be able-bodied when in reality she is deaf. Mira experiences the effects of ableism which is a is prejudice and discrimination against people who have disabilities.
Ableist comments & the pressure to conform
Of course not! We are in a pandemic mask are to be worn at all times! You don't even look deaf so this is not my problem. Stop being so difficult all I want is some ID
MAIL PICK-UP
How rude!
Wow I should really think twice before lashing out. I should educate myself on how to handle myself better in these kinds of situations
Mira remembers a particular encounter she had at the post office with an employee where she was not able to understand what the employee was saying to her right away. She tried to sign to him but he did not understand ASL and was visibly confused. This post office is not accommodated for people experiencing deafness like Mira. Many public spaces are not inclusive to those with disabilities like for example how some architecture is not designed for people who use crutches or wheelchairs,
"Dignity of difference"
MAIL PICK-UP
Thank you! I real ly appreciate your kindness
I will sign to her that all he wanted was some ID. Ill also pull my mask down for hr to lip read
The man started to become irritated with Mira. Mira tried a suggesting an alternative since she still could not hear what the man was saying.However Miras needs continued to be neglected by the man who was starting to lose his patience with her. With the COVID-19 pandemic came the use of face coverings which eliminated a form of communication for Mira as she can lipread. The man wearing his mask is unintended neglect for others like Mira but a norm for him. Just like for example how my storyboard is not accessible for the visually impaired due to the lack of description
How to prevent ableism
The man makes a false assumption about Mira and an ableist comment because her disability is not visible ableist comments are very harmful and have damaging effects on millions of people. Some common ableist language examples would be "r*tard, dumb, idiot, slow and crazy". The use of these words and phrases like the one the man used encourage people with disabilities to conform with the ableist idea of normal. Instead of the idea od disability being a form of normality it pushes the idea that disabled people need to be rehabilitated.
I still don't know what he is saying but he looks very agitated
That's very disrespectful! Take a moment to reflection on your lack of patience an and understanding
A bystander encourages Mira to view disability as a social problem rather than something she should be ashamed of. The man reflects on his reaction where realizes he needs to educate himself on different disabilities and be an ally rather than an ableist. Mira feels proud of her deaf culture even though she uses cochlear which can be controversial in the community since some believe they promote rehabilitation. Although even with her cochlear Mira learned that she can see herself as part of a minority culture group rather than strictly describing herself as disabled
I don't need to conform I am perfect just the way I am. The language I use makes me part of my own minority social group how cool is that!
Do not be ashamed! Take pride in your condition you are not defined by your disability
To help prevent ableism you can educate yourself on different disabilities and being an ally to have their voices be heard. You can also advocate for accessibility in your community and speak with people with disabilities for their advice on how you can help. Finally be open minded, patient and willing to learn so that you can be a useful understanding ally to all.
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